[smarten]

Hello everyone -

Well I'm now the new owner of a 2006 ML350. I still own a 2000 ML320 I will be selling. Boy, I can really, really notice the differences in the two vehicles apart from aesthetics. I'm actually kind of shocked.

But getting back to the purpose of my post, I purchased the vehicle used and the selling dealer only had one Smart Key for the vehicle [that's all the person who traded it it had (and yes, the dealer contacted the former owner to see if he possibly had the second key - unfortunately for me no)].

So I need another Smart Key and I don't fancy paying $250-$300 for the privilege.

So I was directed to a January 30, 2007 post on another benzworld forum that directed others to OEM Direct [http://www.trademotion.com]; supposedly an authorized MBZ dealer in Va. According to the post, the dealer was selling new factory replacements for roughly $51.00 plus shipping. Apparently a number of members on that forum purchased these keys and report they work.

So I too contacted this vendor and learned to my chagrin the price has now increased to $118.00 plus shipping. According to "Jamie," they raised their prices only because Mercedes raised their prices. I don't buy the response because Mercedes never was selling this item for $45.00 or less, but I guess it is what it is.

So I raise two questions. First, does anyone know where I can find a replacement Smart Key at a more reasonable price that won't disable my one remaining key?

Second, and this is really the technical question, is it really the cut of the blade versus the housing which becomes the important factor? I ask this question because according to Jamie, I can purchase a new blade, cut by the factory to match my VIN, for $3.20. And I can go to eBay and purchase a new factory housing with either no blade, or a blank blade, or someone else's blade [probably the missing one for my vehicle] for about $30.

So if I can mate Jamie's blade into a new housing with no blade or the wrong blade, should the combined Smart Key be fully functional?

Thanks to all in advance for what I am certain will be the right answers to my questions.

 

[Hippocrates]

Why replace or get another key? The dealer is REQUIRED to get you 2 keys with your car and it does not cost extra. As a matter of fact, when the dealer gets any car back with incomplete items suck as keys, manuals, etc. they charge the prior owner the cost to replace the item with a new ones. That is what is supposed to happen and I would speak to your MB Dealer again, and if they don't, contact MBUSA. Either way you should be getting a new set of 2 keys!!

 

[smarten]

Thanks for responding Hippocrates.

I guess I didn't make it clear. My selling dealer was NOT an authorized MBZ dealer. And I'm not aware of any law [at least in California] that requires the seller of a vehicle to provide duplicate sets of keys. Besides, I can't be the only ML owner who at some point in time in his/her vehicular life needs another Smart Key.

Also, I didn't get an extra blade [was I supposed (if so then maybe I need to be purchasing several blades)?].

 

[sosh]

Why replace or get another key? The dealer is REQUIRED to get you 2 keys with your car and it does not cost extra. As a matter of fact, when the dealer gets any car back with incomplete items suck as keys, manuals, etc. they charge the prior owner the cost to replace the item with a new ones. That is what is supposed to happen and I would speak to your MB Dealer again, and if they don't, contact MBUSA. Either way you should be getting a new set of 2 keys!!

There is no requirement for the dealer to supply two keys!! Where did that come from?? In any case the dealer should own up to it and arrange to get you a second key. I would not trust any inexpensive key to work correctly. If your dealer will not do this own up to t and spend what it takes to get a correct key.

 

[Hippocrates]

Thats true, I may have stated it wrong but I expect no less from a mercedes dealer and they also view it as a given. Having traded in a couple benzes before, I have been charged for key and manual replacements.

It sucks that the non-authorized places don't do this too. Sorry, I know I haven't given you an answer to your original question. I just wanted to give my 2 cents on the matter because I think it compromises the security of your vehicle knowing someone else has a key to your car!

 

[Hippocrates]

...p.s. I agree with the solution sosh suggests, I would rather get a correct key from a reputable source. Sometimes you get what you pay for.